How to remove AROS Ransomware and decrypt .ARS files

What is AROS Ransomware

AROS is an infectious program categorized as ransomware. Software of such is designed to run encryption of system-stored data and blackmail victims into paying the so-called ransom fee for decryption. After infiltrating the system, AROS has been observed to assign the new .ARS extension, accompanied by cybercriminals’ e-mail and unique victim’s ID. To illustrate, a file originally named 1.pdf will experience a change to something like 1.pdf.[5d3e178db8].[luckyguys@tutanota.com].ARS and become no longer accessible. The final step of AROS Ransomware is the creation of How_to_decrypt_files.txt, which is a text note containing decryption guidelines.

It is said that nobody, but direct developers of AROS Ransomware can decrypt the blocked data. Cybercriminals warn that using third-party decryption tools may lead to damage and permanent loss of files. In order to get the private RSA key that will unlock access to data, victims are instructed to contact extortionists using the TOX messenger or e-mail addresses (luckyguys@tutanota.com or luckyguys@msgsafe.io). After this, the cybercriminals will most likely send payment credentials to transfer some amount of money. In addition, extortionists also say they can prove that they are not scammers – by offering free decryption of one blocked file. Despite such claims, there is always of risk of getting scammed by ransomware developers. This is why the question of paying should be considered carefully. At the moment, there are unfortunately no third-party tools that could guarantee 100% decryption of .ARS files. You can try some third-party utilities discussed in our article, however, we are unable to promise that their capability will be enough to tackle ciphers generated by AROS Ransomware. The best alternative to bypass paying the ransom and recover access to data is to use backup copies. If such are available on external storage (like USB-flash drive), you can easily use them for restoring your data. Note that prior to running any manual reccoery attempts, it is important to get rid of the infection first. Scroll further below to explore instructions on how to do it.

How AROS Ransomware infected your computer

Cybercriminals are known to proliferate their malware via a number of channels, such as trojans, deceptive third-party downloads, fake software updates/installers, backdoors, keyloggers, botnets, system exploits, and e-mail spam letters. Inexperienced users might be the most targeted group. Threat actors often try to bait people into executing (opening) malicious attachments or links that can be included within e-mail spam letters. Alternatively, malware developers can deploy malicious advertising campaigns to fool users into downloading some software from third-party pages that distribute a virus. E-mail spam letters are usually covered under the names of legitimate companies or entities (e.g., delivery companies, tax authorities, banks, and so forth). For instance, it can be a fake message encouraging users to open a file with tax information. Unfortunately, doing so will likely expose you to facing an imminent ransomware infection. Files with .DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .ZIP, .RAR, .JS, and other extensions are often the ones cybercriminals abuse to deliver various infections. While such formats have nothing to do with malware on the initial basis, cybercriminals have learned how to configure them for executing the installation of malicious infections. In most cases, the infection occurs only after users disable the “Protected View” in malicious MS Office documents. Therefore, you should beware of opening them. In addition, it is also worth-avoiding downloads of software on unofficial or dubious pages. Read our guide below to learn about security tips that will protect you from such threats in the future.

1. Download AROS Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .ARS files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like AROS Ransomware

AROS Ransomware files:


How_to_decrypt_files.txt
{randomname}.exe


AROS Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .ARS files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .ARS files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .ARS files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with AROS Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .ARS files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like AROS Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. AROS Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro